Capacitor
The capacitor stores the burst of power the compressor and fan need to start, like a car battery. It weakens with age. A failing one causes humming, hard starts and lights that flicker when the AC kicks on.
AC Repair Services
ICS Heating & Air Conditioning repairs central air conditioners in Allentown and across the Lehigh Valley.
Signs your air conditioner needs repair
An air conditioner usually gives a warning before it stops cooling. Call ICS if you notice any of these:
- Warm or barely cool air from the vents
- Weak airflow, even with a clean filter
- The system turns on and off every few minutes
- Ice on the refrigerant lines or the indoor coil
- Water pooling around the indoor unit
- Humming, buzzing or grinding from the outdoor unit
- Lights that dim or flicker when the AC starts
- An outdoor fan that doesn't spin
If you see ice, switch the thermostat from Cool to Off and set the fan to On. The ice melts faster, and running a frozen system can damage the compressor.
What happens on a repair visit
ICS offers same-day service. Call the office at (610) 432-8070, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, or send a repair request. Our technicians are NATE-certified and train with Bryant as part of its Factory Authorized Dealer program.
We find the cause
The technician checks the thermostat, electrical parts, refrigerant pressures and airflow to find out why your system isn't cooling.
You get the price first
We explain what failed and what the repair costs before any work starts. You decide whether to go ahead.
We make the repair
Our technicians carry common parts like capacitors and contactors, so many repairs are finished on the first visit.
We test the system
Before we leave, we run the air conditioner and check that it's cooling the way it should.
Common AC repairs
Most AC repair calls come down to one of these parts.
Contactor
The contactor is the switch that turns the outdoor unit on and off. When its contacts wear, the unit may not start, or it may keep running after the house is cool.
Outdoor fan motor
The outdoor fan carries heat away from the condenser coil. If the motor fails, the system overheats and shuts down or blows warm air.
Refrigerant leak
Low refrigerant means a leak. We find it and give you a price to repair it and recharge the system. Adding refrigerant without fixing the leak only buys time.
Frozen indoor coil
Ice on the indoor coil usually comes from low airflow or low refrigerant. A dirty filter, a weak blower motor and a leak are the usual causes.
Clogged condensate drain
Your air conditioner pulls water out of the air as it cools. When the drain line clogs, the water backs up and can shut the system off or leak into ceilings and floors.
Thermostat
Dead batteries, a loose wire or a failed thermostat can look like a broken air conditioner. It's one of the first things we check.
Compressor
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. It's the most expensive AC repair, and on an older system it often makes replacement the better choice.
See our reviews
LKLocal Guide · 76 reviews · 47 photosG“They sent a couple techs out this morning. They identified and fixed the problem and saved us from a sweltering day and gave us relief from the terrible heat!”
Joshua Edelman22 reviews · 25 photosG“Instead of upselling me on a brand new air conditioner like the other heating and cooling companies tried to do, he performed an honest capacitor replacement and had my AC running like new within an hour of diagnosis.”
Dina ByrdLocal Guide · 32 reviews · 3 photosG“Very impressed!! They were willing to come out same day and they are efficient and affordable. Highly recommend”
Jennifer Roscher3 reviewsG“Prices are reasonable and they won’t try to “upsell” you on anything you don’t need, which is always appreciated.”
Jodi Eslinger1 reviewG“Their pricing is very reasonable and their technicians are very professional and courteous.”
Lauren Coker8 reviews · 5 photosG“Their pricing is fair, and I always feel confident that they’re giving me honest recommendations and taking the best care of my home.”
Michael Schrey4 reviewsG“The price was very reasonable and the workers professionalism and friendliness was spectacular.”
Keith BendelLocal Guide · 11 reviewsG“Installed my boiler and made sure everything works well. Dave came to service my system and was quick and knowledgeable.”
Matthew Rohrbach1 reviewG“Had my water heater replaced by ICS. Great customer service, communication, and absolute professional work all around.”
Michael Harden12 reviewsG“The entire team was knowledgeable, thorough in their explanations, and maintained a clean workspace throughout the project. They also removed the oil tank efficiently and without any odor.”
Cindy Polzer11 reviewsG“They provided excellent service from start to finish: sales, installation, training us on the new smart thermostat and the office support staff. They even completed the rebate forms for me.”
Dave SLocal Guide · 27 reviews · 3 photosG“We called ICS and even with a full schedule they were able to visit the same day.”
Frequently asked questions
How much does AC repair cost?
It depends on what failed. A capacitor or contactor costs far less than a refrigerant leak repair or a new compressor. The technician tells you the price before starting any repair, so you can decide.
How soon can you come out?
ICS offers same-day service. Call the office at (610) 432-8070, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Existing customers can reach our answering service 24/7 for emergencies.
Why is my air conditioner freezing up?
Ice usually means low airflow or low refrigerant. Check the air filter first, then switch the thermostat from Cool to Off and the fan to On to melt the ice. If it freezes again, call for service.
Why is my outdoor unit humming but not running?
A humming outdoor unit that won't start often has a failed capacitor or a stuck fan motor. Turn the system off to protect the compressor and call us.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
Most central air conditioners last about 15 to 20 years, and past 15 the parts get harder to find. Systems installed before about 2010 often run on R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer made, so recharging one costs far more than it used to. Several repairs in a few years usually means more are coming. Weigh the repair against the system's age, too: a new capacitor on a 12-year-old system is worth it, but a new compressor on a 17-year-old system usually isn't. Rooms that never cool evenly, sticky humidity and rising electric bills are also reasons to look at a new system. See AC installation and financing.
Do you repair heat pumps?
Yes. A heat pump cools the same way an air conditioner does and also heats. See heat pump repair and installation.
Request service
Air conditioner not cooling?
Call the office at (610) 432-8070 or send a repair request, and we'll get a technician out.
1732 W Fairmont StAllentown, PA 18104
Get directions
Get directions
Office(610) 432-8070
Office hoursMonday to Friday: 9 AM to 4 PMSaturday and Sunday: Closed
EmergenciesExisting customers can reach our answering service 24/7 for emergency repairs.